Cannon

19

CANNON

Cannon was tired but also riveted by the fact that he was now quickly able to shift into his dragon form. It felt like coming into his own, to become himself, fitting back into his own skin. He was invigorated.

But combined with that excitement was confusion about his feelings for Ryver. He knew that he was incredibly attracted to her, and clearly, she was to him too since she was the one who kissed him. Her ability to take care of herself and not require anything from him was also incredibly attractive. He watched her as they fled the guerrillas, keeping herself safe from harm and defending herself heroically.

“Are you okay?” Cannon asked. He knew the answer he was going to get before he even inquired.

“Peachy.” She kept looking behind her, ensuring there wasn’t anyone coming after them. For a while, they focused on getting ahead.

Eventually, they stopped at a stream for a break and some water. As Cannon was taking his turn, he stopped and looked at Ryver, who saw him sitting at a nearby log. “I can shift into my dragon and carry you for a lot longer than in my arms if you’re feeling tired.”

Ryver gave Cannon an intense scowl. He figured he would get this reaction, but he wanted to reach out and ask anyway. “I’m fine, don’t worry.”

He shook his head as he drank from the river. He stood and put the filter back in his bag. “You know, that’s called just caring about someone. I don’t think you’re weak in the slightest degree. I just thought maybe –”

“You don’t have to think that. I’m fine, honestly.”

Cannon wasn’t the type of person who was going to be put off by her blunt reactions. In fact, it had quite the opposite reaction. It made him want her even more.

Instead of responding, he merely pointed in the opposite direction that she sat. “I’m sensing there’s some kind of cave near a stream in this direction. I think we should head over there.”

Ryver stood without a word, smirked at him, then headed in that direction.

They walked, following the stream for most of the night, saying very little to one another. Cannon thought this was best. The s****l tension between them was way too intense, and he didn’t want to encourage it even more at a time like this. She held her own and stepped quietly over branches and fallen tree trunks with ease.

As the sun crept over the mountains, Cannon saw the cave. It sat just below one of the majestic mountains with a tiny opening around the side. Very few would likely notice it. Cannon guided Ryver inside with his flashlight so she could see where they walked.

When they found a darkened flat area that was safe, Ryver pointed out toward the stream they’d passed. “I’m going to wash up first. Then I’ll be back in a few. Ok?”

Cannon gave her a thumbs up, then felt like an i***t. His emotions were making him act like a fool. A part of him wanted to peek out of the cave and watch her. That would be a sight to see. But that would also be a way to get on her s**t list if she caught him. Instead, he started a fire and waited for her return to go hunt them some food. Protein bars were okay but he’d seen more rabbits in that area than before.

When she returned, the fire was roaring. Her hair and face were damp, and she looked stunning. Her ocean-blue eyes glimmered in the firelight. Cannon tried not to stare too long and stood. “I’ll be right back. I saw some rabbits by the stream. I want to go hunt quickly to get us some dinner.”

Her body perked up. “Rabbits again? That sounds delicious.”

He nodded and headed out of the cave. It was a fast hunt and he skinned them and got rid of the skin and blood so they wouldn’t attract any other animals into the cave. When he got back, he put them on the fire to cook. “Watch these while I clean up. I won’t be long. They should cook pretty fast and we can eat when I get back.”

Ryver looked up and smiled at him. “Be careful. Also, it’s a lot chillier than I thought it would be. Do you have a little towel?”

Cannon shook his head. “Don’t worry. I’m a natural human furnace.”

Ryver giggled. “Oh yes, I wouldn’t dream of worrying about you.”

As he left the cave, Cannon couldn’t stop smiling to himself. By the stream, he removed his clothes and rinsed his body in the river. She was definitely right, and it was far colder than he had anticipated. He thought about her taking a look at his naked body just outside the cave where he couldn’t see her. The thought filled him with warmth.

He returned to her in damp clothes but without his shirt on. He noticed her looking at him when she thought he couldn’t see. He grinned to himself, filling with anticipation and a sensation of love he had yet to embrace.

Was this what it was? Love? He knew he wasn’t here to have s*x with her, and he was supposed to save her. But it was becoming increasingly difficult to avoid showing affection for her, especially since it seemed to be mutual. He wanted to hold her. To hug her. To kiss her. He wanted to let her know everything would be okay and that he’d die before he let anything happen to her. But more than anything, he wanted to tell her he wished they could spend more time together after they got back home. That they could be a couple. He realized at that moment he didn’t just want her physically. He wanted a relationship with Ryver.

“If only my father could see me now.”

Cannon was stoking the fire when she perked up. “Why’s that?”

Ryver sighed. “This is far closer to a military situation than a doctor would generally find themselves in, don’t you think? My dad wanted me to go into the military so badly.”